Nahant, Massachusetts

The Nahant Life-Saving Station, situated in Nahant, Massachusetts, is a historic coastal rescue station that has played a crucial role in maritime safety.

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About This Location

The Nahant Life-Saving Station, situated in Nahant, Massachusetts, is a historic coastal rescue station that has played a crucial role in maritime safety. Established in 1900 by the United States Life-Saving Service and later operated by the United States Coast Guard from 1915 to 1964, this station holds both historical and architectural significance.

The station, occupying a 1.4-acre parcel, consists of a two-story wood frame residence and an equipment building. Architect Victor Mendeleff designed the main station house in the Shingle style, featuring an imposing structure with a square tower at the southwest corner. The hip roof, pierced by dormers, and a large cross-gabled section contribute to the architectural charm. Notably, the Nahant Life-Saving Station stands out as one of the few that were not built to a standard plan, making it a unique survivor among the 33 stations constructed in the state.

Originally, the interior of the building was arranged with the keeper's residence in the north, crew quarters in the south, and a central area for boat and equipment storage. With two inset porches adorned with Tuscan columns on the front facade, the station exudes a distinctive character. The east facade boasts double-doors for launching boats into Nahant Bay, while the west side features a double door between the porches for westward boat launches. Adjacent to the main station is an equipment building constructed in 1938 by the Coast Guard, designed as a four-bay garage with Colonial Revival details.

In 1964, the Coast Guard repurposed the station as a recreational facility, and in 1999, it was turned over to the Town of Nahant. The Nahant Preservation Trust, a not-for-profit charitable corporation founded in 1996, took charge of managing the property. Their mission includes preserving Nahant's open spaces, historically significant properties, and conservation lands for public and community benefit. The Nahant Preservation Trust has played a crucial role in renovating, maintaining, and restoring the station, utilizing historical preservation skills to preserve its unique architectural features.

To fund ongoing maintenance and open the building to the public, the Nahant Preservation Trust rents out the station and its grounds for various functions. This initiative not only helps preserve the station but also allows people to enjoy its historical ambiance and significance.

The Nahant Life-Saving Station was granted a spot on the National Register of Historic Places on March 20, 2012, a significant honor that recognizes its historical importance and architectural value. As one of only twelve surviving facilities of its kind in the state, the station holds a special place in the maritime history of Massachusetts. The National Register listing is a testament to the collective efforts to safeguard and celebrate this vital piece of the region's heritage, and its reference number is 12000133.

Today, the Nahant Life-Saving Station is visible from Nahant Road and the beach, offering a glimpse into its storied past. While parking in the vicinity can be challenging, visitors can park at the southern end of Nahant Beach and take a scenic walk down Nahant Road to explore this iconic piece of maritime history.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
96 Nahant Road, Nahant, Massachusetts

GPS Coordinates:
42.4307049, -70.9338837
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There is a parking area located right next to the life saving station, but sadly this is a private lot. Parking in Nahant is never easy. It would be wise to park at the southern end of Nahant Beach and then walk down Nahant Road to the life saving station.

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